For administrative convenience, the Tiger Reserve is divided into
three zones.

Core ZoneThe
core area of 430 sq. km. is the primary watershed of river Periyar,
free of all disturbances and intended for total preservation.

Tourism ZoneThe
55 sq.km. area around the lake and the lake fringes from the
boat landing to the dam site is the tourism zone.
Tourism activities like boating, guided trekking, adventure
trekking, elephant ride, camp in watchtowers are confined to
this zone.